6.3. SR 04-10-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Elk River REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Agenda Section Meeting Date J oint Meeting with Parks and April 10, 2006 Recreation Commission Item Description Future Referendum for Parks and Trails Item Number 6.3 Prepared by Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director Reviewed by Lori ohnson, Ci Administrator Introduction Discussion of a potential referendum for parks and trails development. Discussion . The 5 year Capital Improvement plan, revised in 2004 totals $4,296,400. . The trail development estimate is $4,000,000. . The purchase of Pinewood will have some impact on the park dedication fund balance. . Land acquisition, even with matching grants, will be substantial but should be pursued as soon as possible due to rapidly increasing land prices. . Athletic associations are advocating for field development due to a shortage of ball fields. These are all important projects that will add to the quality of life in Elk River. In addition, these expenditures can be seen as an investment that will show a long-range return in property values and quality real estate investment. Staff recommends that in 2007 the park dedication budget should include funds to revise and update the 1997 Park System Master Plan. As part of this process, a consultant would work with staff to hold an extensive series of public meetings. This "visioning process" would create a system plan that reflects resident's values. This in turn, would give residents "ownership" of the funding solutions, such as a referendum. Financial Impact Staff found four recent system plans completed: Hassan Township $38,000 Minnetrista $40,000 Independence $68,000 (lots of public process) Mankato $38,000 Attachments None C: \Documents and Settings \ tallard\Local Settings \ Temporary Internet Files \ OLKF\ 6.3 Referendum